What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety is a common experience that affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, chronic or excessive anxiety can significantly impact your quality of life, relationships, and work.

Typically, anxiety arises from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Each person’s experience of anxiety is unique, influenced by genetics, life experiences, upbringing, and personality traits. Understanding what contributes to anxiety can be the first step in learning to manage it effectively.

Here, we explore the top five causes of anxiety and offer practical guidance for seeking support.

1. Genetic Factors

Some individuals are genetically predisposed to anxiety. While there is no single “anxiety gene,” research shows that people with a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions are more likely to experience heightened levels of anxiety themselves.

This doesn’t mean that anxiety is inevitable if it runs in your family, but it may indicate a higher susceptibility. Environmental factors, coping skills, and life experiences also play a significant role in determining whether genetic predispositions develop into chronic anxiety.

Tip: If anxiety runs in your family, early intervention, mindfulness practices, and healthy coping strategies can help reduce the likelihood of severe symptoms.

2. Stressful Life Events

Stressful life events are a major trigger for anxiety. While we often associate anxiety with negative stressors such as:

• Job loss or work-related stress
• Relationship breakdowns
• Financial difficulties
• Bereavement

…it’s important to remember that positive life changes can also be stressful. Events like:

• Marriage or engagement
• Becoming a parent
• Moving home
• Travelling abroad

…can create feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm, triggering anxiety responses.

Key point: Anxiety often occurs when life changes exceed your current coping resources. Practising self-compassion and checking in with your emotions during these times can help you navigate stress without spiralling into anxiety.

3. Substance Use and Abuse

Substance use, including both illicit drugs and the misuse of prescription medications, can contribute significantly to anxiety. While some individuals use substances to manage anxious feelings temporarily, this often worsens anxiety in the long term.

• Alcohol may initially reduce anxiety but can increase it once the effects wear off.
• Stimulants or recreational drugs can trigger panic attacks or exacerbate existing anxiety.
• Certain prescription medications may have side effects that heighten anxious feelings.

Tip: If you suspect your substance use is contributing to anxiety, consider discussing it with a psychologist or GP. Professional guidance can help you reduce reliance on substances while managing underlying anxiety.

4. Physical Health Issues

Physical health conditions can play a significant role in the development and maintenance of anxiety. Chronic or ongoing health problems such as:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Thyroid disorders

…can increase stress levels and heighten anxiety.

Additionally, some medications used to treat these conditions may inadvertently contribute to anxious feelings. For example, certain stimulants, corticosteroids, and medications affecting the thyroid can trigger anxiety symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Tip: If anxiety accompanies a physical health condition, discuss your symptoms with both your GP and a psychologist. Managing the physical condition alongside therapy can provide comprehensive relief.

5. Personality Factors

Personality traits can influence how susceptible someone is to anxiety. Individuals who are more likely to experience anxiety often share traits such as:

• Low self-esteem
• Perfectionism
• A desire to control situations
• Sensitivity to stress or criticism
• Overthinking or rumination

Understanding how your personality interacts with stress can help you develop targeted strategies to reduce anxiety.

Tip: Personality traits are not fixed. Therapy, mindfulness practices, and self-awareness exercises can help you build resilience and reduce the impact of anxiety on your life.

When to Seek Help for Anxiety

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, work, or relationships, it may be time to seek professional support. A psychologist or mental health professional can:

• Provide an individualised assessment
• Identify your unique anxiety triggers
• Teach coping strategies such as CBT, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness
• Support behavioural changes to reduce anxious thoughts

Red flags that indicate you should see a professional include:

• Persistent worry or fear that feels uncontrollable
• Panic attacks or sudden physical symptoms of anxiety
• Avoidance of activities or social situations
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Increased use of substances to manage anxiety

Practical Steps to Reduce Anxiety

While professional support is highly recommended, there are practical strategies you can implement immediately:

1. Track your triggers: Keep a journal to identify patterns in when and why anxiety occurs.
2. Practice mindfulness and relaxation: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce physical and mental tension.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep support mental health.
4. Develop coping skills: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies can help you challenge unhelpful thoughts and reduce anxiety.
5. Limit substance use: Reduce alcohol, caffeine, and recreational drug intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can anxiety be caused by more than one factor?

Yes. Anxiety is usually the result of multiple factors, including genetics, life experiences, health conditions, substance use, and personality traits.

2. Are some people more genetically predisposed to anxiety?

Yes. Family history plays a role, but genetics alone do not determine outcomes. Environmental factors and coping skills also influence anxiety development.

3. Can positive life events trigger anxiety?

Absolutely. Life changes such as marriage, a new baby, or moving home can create stress and increase anxiety, even if the event is positive.

4. How do I know if I should see a psychologist?

If anxiety interferes with your daily life, relationships, work, or sleep, or if self-help strategies aren’t effective, seeing a psychologist is recommended.

5. Can physical health problems cause anxiety?

Yes. Chronic health conditions and some medications can trigger or maintain anxiety. Consulting both a GP and psychologist is often the best approach.

Call to Action

If you are struggling with anxiety, you do not have to manage it alone. A psychologist can provide personalised support to help you understand your triggers, develop coping strategies, and improve your quality of life.

Helensvale: (07) 5551 0251
Mount Gravatt: (07) 3102 1366
Nerang: (07) 5668 3490

Disclaimer: Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only and is not intended to replace advise from your doctor or registered health professional. Readers are urged to consult their registered practitioner for diagnosis and treatment for their medical concerns.